Two neighbouring communities, Opolo and Okutukutu, in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, engaged in a communal clash on Monday over land disputes. The conflict resulted in an unconfirmed number of casualties, prompting pandemonium, bonfires, and the blocking of the Diepreye Alamieyeseiya Junction at the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road. Motorists and other road users were forced to divert to alternative routes.
The Bayelsa State Government condemned the attack on Opolo community, allegedly carried out by individuals from Okutukutu community. The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, issued a statement denouncing the violence and directing relevant security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution. He emphasized that the administration would not tolerate violence over territorial or land boundary disputes, especially when such matters are pending in the law court.
Ewhrudjakpo called on both Opolo and Okutukutu communities to refrain from further actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. The government is taking steps to resolve the issue, including convening an emergency meeting with the leadership of the affected communities. The deputy governor expressed regret over the loss of lives and property, assuring bereaved families that the government would seek justice for them.
